As many as five employees were inside, but all got out once the fire broke out, Searfoss said.

Preliminary information indicated that employees were conducting some sort of mechanical process on a vehicle when a fire ignited, Searfoss said.

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The investigating is continuing, but there is nothing to suggest criminal activity, Searfoss said.

Several homes in the neighborhood were evacuated, but residents were allowed to return within a half-hour as crews controlled the fire.

Searfoss said the fire burned a third of the way through the 70-foot-long building, and a portion of the roof collapsed in the rear where most of the fire had burned. He estimated damage at more than $75,000.

According to Berks County property records, the garage is owned by Kenneth L. and Sheila J. Troyer.